Discharge stream conditioner and method

Abstract

A discharge stream conditioner and method for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of devices which discharge pressurized liquids is disclosed. An elongated rod having a plurality of outwardly radiating, spiraling, fingers or spokes is placed within the discharge conduit or flow path of a pressurized liquid to be discharged. The purpose of the discharge stream conditioner and method is to effectuate a partial separation of the propellant gas which has dissolved into the liquid agent to be discharged thereby providing for a more even flow and more efficient discharge of the liquid agent from its pressurized container.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property right or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A discharge stream conditioner positioned in a pressurized liquid containment vessel comprising a tank filled with pressurized liquid, a syphon tube extending into said liquid, a valve means and a discharge means, said discharge stream conditioner being frictionally positioned within said syphon tube and comprising an elongated rod having a plurality of radiating, cambered, fingers attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom and arranged in a repetitive, continuous spiral beginning at one end of said rod and continuing uninterrupted toward the opposite end of said rod so that at least a portion of said fingers are caused to frictionally engage the interior wall of said syphon tube. 
     
     
       2. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers vary in length and diameter. 
     
     
       3. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers vary in length and diameter according to the size, shape and discharge characteristics of the host pressurized liquid containment vessel. 
     
     
       4. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers vary in camber. 
     
     
       5. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers vary in camber according to the size, shape and discharge characteristics of the host pressurized liquid containment vessel. 
     
     
       6. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said cambered fingers are cambered away from the direction of the flow of the liquid. 
     
     
       7. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said rod varies in length and diameter according to the size, shape and discharge characteristics of the host pressurized liquid containment vessel. 
     
     
       8. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers extend over and along substantially the entire length and surface area of said rod. 
     
     
       9. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said fingers further comprise linear grooves along the surface of said fingers. 
     
     
       10. The discharge stream conditioner of claim 1, wherein said pressurized liquid containment vessel is a liquified-gas fire extinguisher. 
     
     
       11. A method of effectuating a partial separation of gas molecules dissolved in a liquid under pressure during discharge of said liquid from a pressurized liquid containment vessel having a tank filled with said liquid, a syphon tube, a valve means and a discharge means, said method comprising the steps of: frictionally inserting an elongated rod having a plurality of radiating, cambered, fingers attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom into said syphon tube and the discharge flow path of said liquid and arranged in a repetitive, continuous spiral beginning at one end of said rod and continuing uninterrupted toward the opposite end of said rod so that at least a portion of said fingers are caused to frictionally engage the interior wall of said syphon tube; and,   causing said liquid to flow or be discharged from said liquid containment vessel through said syphon tube and over and along the longitudinal axis of said rod and through said radiating fingers.   
     
     
       12. The method of claim 11, wherein said cambered fingers are cambered away from the direction of the flow of the liquid.